Chiropractic treatment can help to reduce the effects of structural asymmetry and improve the functional motion of an athlete.

Chiropractors are one of the few doctors specifically trained to look at the structure of the human frame. They are also trained in the proper motion or function of the human body, called bio-mechanics. This advanced training in bio-mechanics allows chiropractors to efficiently detect structural and functional abnormalities before they become major problems such as injuries or poor performance.

What is structural asymmetry?

This diagram called "crooked man" illustrates structural asymmetry. It shows that every part of the human body is inter-related. A structural problem in the foot can affect all other aspects of the human frame.

Look at the way crooked man's left foot turns inward. Now notice how his left knee rotates, left hip drops, right shoulder drops, and head tilts to the left. Now think about how much extra stress crooked man's bones, muscles, ligaments, and tendons must endure due to structural asymmetry.

How can correcting structural asymmetry prevent injury?

By correcting structural asymmetry, the body is put back into it's natural balance and the excess stress on the body structures is relieved. It is important to correct structural asymmetry as soon as possible from a neurological standpoint because the body will always neurologically adapt. This means the neurological patterns the body uses during the time of structural asymmetry will become the primary movement patterns unless the structural asymmetry has been corrected. This is why it is more important for athletes to be structurally and functionally evaluated on a frequent basis than the average person.

What do high-level athletes have to say about chiropractic care?

Lance Armstrong

Seven Time Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong has been receiving chiropractic care since January of 1999, helping him to keep his body together for the harsh demands of the Tour de France. After the 2005 Tour de France, Lance said that he could not have won without his chiropractor's help.

Arnold Schwarzenegger

"I am very fortunate to have, so-to-speak, my in-house chiropractor, Dr. Franco Colombu, as my own personal chiropractor. So, I visit Franco regularly, and he comes over to my house. He adjusts my wife, my kids, me, everybody gets an adjustment. And we feel always great when Franco leaves. Even when I have athletic injuries he's always there for me, and helps me. So it's really terrific, and I know that first hand. That's why I always will be traveling around, all over the world, talking highly about the profession of chiropractic. You chiropractic doctors are really miracle workers, and that's why it's really great to have you here, part of the Arnold Classic. Because, like I said, the Arnold Classic and Fitness Weekend are about health and about fitness and preventive care."

Joe Montana

"Chiropractic care works for me."

One of the most recognizable celebrity/athletes, holder of four Superbowl rings, three Superbowl MVP's and Player of the Year in 1990 has just agreed to become the spokesperson for Chiropractic in the State of California.

Emmitt Smith Credits Chiropractic for Rushing Record

"Playing in a football game is like being in 30-40 car accidents."

An article in the Fort Worth Star-Telegram explains it all started after the 1994 season when Smith endured a lot of hamstring problems and he began to ask himself some tough questions. "Do I need to get more rest? Do I need to eat better? Do I need a little more training? How can I take care of my body better? Do I need to find a chiropractor? It was time for me to invest in me," Smith said. "I found a specialist that's really good in balancing out my body to make sure my hips are rotated right, and my body is functioning properly. I remember somebody telling me that what I put myself in during the games is like having a car wreck every Sunday. It's against the norm. You can find yourself in awkward positions. That stuff takes its toll. But if you take advantage of the health care, balance your body back out, put it back where it's supposed to be, you function better, and you recover faster."

Evander Holyfield

"I have to have an adjustment before I go into the ring. I do believe in chiropractic. I found that going to a chiropractor three times a week helps my performance. The majority of boxers go to get that edge."

Tiger Woods

"Being a Chiropractic patient has really helped me immensely...lifting weights and seeing a Chiropractor on a regular basis has made me a better golfer. I've been going to Chiropractors for as long as I can remember. It's as important to my training as practicing my swing."

Little Known Fact: In 1995, when Tiger was 17 years old and an amateur golfer, he proudly appeared on the Chiropractic Centennial Foundation's (CCF) Tournament of Roses Parade Float as a Chiropractic advocate.

Dan O'Brien

Decathlon Gold Medallist "If it were not for Chiropractic, I would not have won the gold medal."

"You obviously can't compete at your fullest if you're not in alignment. And your body can't heal if your back is not in alignment. It was the holistic idea that I liked about chiropractic and that is what track and field is about. Every track and field athlete that I have ever met has seen a chiropractor at one time or another. In track and field, it is absolutely essential. Chiropractic care is one of the things I think that no one has denied or refuted."